1/4/2012 - Snow removal from roofs not at top of people's minds

After a snowstorm, one of the last places homeowners often look at to make sure snow hasn't accumulated to a significant degree is the roof, a new survey indicates.

According to a Harris Interactive poll which surveyed approximately 2,300 adults 18 and older, just 1% said removing snow from their roof was a top priority after a snowstorm.

"Many times a person's main concern about snow removal is shoveling the driveway and sidewalk first so they can get back to their normal day-to-day routine," said landscaping expert Joe Saffron. "Other areas of the home though, such as the roof, receive far less attention and are left vulnerable to costly repairs from ice damming, gutter damage, and excess roof weight."

Last year, many people who didn't clear their roofs of excess snow faced thousands of dollars in damage. According to one report, more than 16,000 roofs caved in during February 2010 alone, costing millions of dollars in repairs and homeowners insurance claims. In 2010 altogether, winter storms caused an estimated $2.6 billion in losses.